By: Kenny Kaminsky | Follow me on Twitter/X @KennyKaminsky
Despite the tough loss in the Atlantic Division Semi-Finals to the Charlotte Checkers, the Providence Bruins had a fantastic season. There were some highs and lows, but the team figured out a way to finish in the top three in the division and looked like they had fun along the way. Although we all have a bitter taste from the Game Five loss, I would like to look back at the good times and highlight some of the season’s best moments.
The first significant moment of the season occurred during the second game. Following a season-opening loss to the Laval Rocket, the P-Bruins prepared for a match against their rivals, the Bridgeport Islanders. On October 12th, 2024, the team traveled to the Total Mortgage Arena for a 7:00 PM game against the New York Islanders’ affiliate.
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The game began with Vinni Lettieri scoring a stunning breakaway goal over the shoulder of Islanders goaltender Marcus Hogberg, giving Providence a 1-0 lead. However, Pierre Engvall quickly tied the game before Jeffrey Viel netted his first goal of the season. Later, Brian Pinho scored a short-handed goal, leveling the score at two.
In the third period, Jordan Oesterle scored, securing the Bruins’ victory. This marked Providence’s first win of the season and Michael DiPietro’s first win, kicking off his historic campaign.
The second moment on this list highlights Fabian Lysell’s first goal of the season. On October 19th, the Providence Bruins faced off against the Springfield Thunderbirds. After a quiet start to the season, all eyes were on Lysell to see how he would perform. Many fans were disappointed he hadn’t made the Boston Bruins lineup after training camp.
Just one minute into the second period, the Swedish player showcased his impressive speed, maneuvering skillfully around the Thunderbirds’ defense and leaving them in his wake. He then beat T-Birds goaltender Colten Ellis under the arm, tying the game at one. This goal is considered the most spectacular of the season for the Baby Bruins.
While his season had its ups and downs, Lysell’s performance ultimately led to an extended opportunity in the National Hockey League, where he captivated fans everywhere.
The third highlight on this list is Matthew Poitras’ impressive seven-game goal streak from December 6th to December 18th. Poitras was reassigned early in the NHL season, disappointing many Bruins fans. It took him a few games to find his rhythm, but once he did, he became unstoppable. Coach Ryan Mougenel experimented with various line combinations, but none matched the effectiveness of pairing Poitras with Georgii Merkulov and Vinni Lettieri.
During that seven-game stretch, the Guelph Storm product recorded an impressive 7-3-10, contributing to the team’s record of 6-0-1, marking the season’s longest winning streak. His scoring streak was the second longest in the American Hockey League this season, just one game short of former Providence Bruin Chris Wagner, who had an eight-game goal streak. Poitras’ epic run ended following a 1-0 victory over the Hartford Wolfpack.
During the trade deadline, Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney traded defenseman Brandon Carlo for prospect Fraser Minten and a first-round pick in the 2026 draft. Although fans were sad to see Carlo go, the return was intriguing. Minten is an all-around player known for his tough and skilled style of play, capable of contributing in various situations.
He may not be a player who scores 40 goals in a season, but he can effectively participate in both power plays and penalty kills while demonstrating exceptional defensive skills. Minten is a player who can “learn on the job” in the NHL next season.
This brings us to March 16th, when Fraser Minten recorded the season’s first hat trick for the Providence Bruins. The Kamloops Blazers’ product’s three goals came consecutively, all scored in front of the net, showcasing his size and hockey IQ. The former Team Canada World Junior Championship captain also registered an assist on a Riley Duran goal. Providence won 4-1 against the T-Birds, and Minten earned the First Star of the Night award.
Before I discuss the final moment, I want to highlight a few honorable mentions. First, Georgii Merkulov scored a stunning goal against the Laval Rocket during the Quebec road trip early in the season. Second, Max Jones’ teddy bear toss goal against the Hartford Wolfpack resulted in a shower of plush bears raining down onto the ice. Lastly, I can’t forget the P-Bruins clinching a playoff spot in a thrilling come-from-behind game, where the Baby B’s scored two goals in the third period to defeat the Wolfpack 2-1.
The final moment I want to touch on was thrilling. After losing Game One against the Springfield Thunderbirds in the playoffs, the team faced the threat of elimination again. However, a courageous shot block to the face by Patrick Brown and an overtime goal by Vinni Lettieri, combined with a shutout performance from Michael DiPietro, allowed the series to return to Providence for a decisive Game Three.
In that game, the Bruins exploded in the third period, scoring four consecutive goals to win their first playoff series in eight years. DiPietro had an impressive series, allowing only two goals over three games, while Matthew Poitras and Riley Tufte each contributed two goals.
This season has been fantastic, filled with memorable moments. Please let me know if there are any that I might be overlooking. The P-Bruins team was truly unique, and although the year didn’t end as we had hoped, it was still a season worth remembering.
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